Colostomy irrigator



Sept. 25, 1962 J? A. TEZAK 3,

COLOSTOMY IRRIGATOR Filed April .5, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. JOSEPH A. TEZAK Sept. 25, 1962 J. A. TEZAK COLOSTOMY IRRIGATOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5, 1957 5 M21 mi 1A L 9 Unite This invention relates to devices to be used in connection with artificial orifices in abdominal walls and more particularly to a colostomy irrigator.

People who have a colostomy must irrigate at least every second day in order to maintain good health, cleanliness and sanitation. Devices used for this purpose heretofore have released substantial disagreeable odors during use. Use of these prior devices in many instances is also messy and unsanitary.

Accordingly, it is an important object of this invention to provide a new and improved colostomy irrigator and more specifically a colostomy irrigator which eliminates the release of disagreeable odors during the use thereof.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a colostomy irrigator which is arranged and constructed to eliminate any mess associated with the use thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a colostomy irrigator which is more sanitary in use.

In connection with the foregoing objects it is another object of the invention to provide a colostomy irrigator which is transparent whereby the cleanliness thereof after use can be determined completely without removal from the operative position about the colostomy opening.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a colostomy irrigator of the type set forth which permits introduction of the irrigating fluid directly into the colostomy opening.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of irrigating through a colostomy opening, the improved method completely eliminating objectionable odors and mess associated with the use of prior methods.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improved colostomy irrigator and irrigating method which are simple and inexpensive in construction and use and which are comfortable for the wearer.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. in the drawings wherein like reference numerals have been utilized to designate like par-ts throughout:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view with certain portions broken away illustrating the construction and use of the new and improved colostomy irrigator of the present invention and the method of using the same, the parts being shown in position for introduction of irrigating fluid into the colostomy opening;

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 illustrating the parts in position and connected for flushing and cleaning of the irrigator after use but before removal from the body of the user;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged perspective view with certain portions broken away of a colostomy irrigator made in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the irrigator of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a side view with certain parts in vertical section of the irrigator of FIGURES 3 and 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a view in vertical section through the irrigator substantially as seen in the direction of the arrows along the line 66 of FIGURE 4.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG- URES 3-6 thereof there is shown a colostomy irrigator generally designated by the numeral 10 made rates Patent in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention. Irrigator 19 provides an irrigating chamber bounded in part by a cylindrical body member 12 which may have any convenient diameter such as for example three inches. One end of body 12 is substantially closed by a wall :14 which is disc-like in shape and has an outer diameter equal to that of body 12. A circular aperture 16 (see FIGURES 5 and 6 particularly) is provided substantially in the center of wall 14 to provide an irrigating fluid opening, aperture 16 having a diameter for example slightly less than one inch. The other end of cylindrical body member 12 has mounted thereon an attachment plate generally designated by the numeral 18 and including a pair of outwardly extending attachment members 20 and 2&2. Each attachment member has an elongated slot 24 and 26, respectively, formed therein to receive an elastic belt as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The center of attachment plate 18 has a circular opening 28 formed therein which is provided with an inwardly directed beveled surface 30 (see FIGURES 5 and 6, particularly). The greater diameter of the beveled surface 31 is equal substantially to the inner diameter of body member 12 and the angularity of bevel 30 may be of the order of approximately 40 whereby to provide a minimum opening of 2 /2 inches. The portion of plate 18 extending inwardly past the inner cylindrical wall of body 12 forms a flange 31.

A sealing member 32 is provided about the opening in attachment plate 13. More specifically, sealing member 32 has an opening 34 therein having a diameter equal substantially to the inner diameter of body member 12 and has an outer diameter of approximately 3%. inches. The outer edge 36 of sealing member 32 is rounded to provide comfort for the wearer as will be apparent hereinafter.

Extending outwardly from the cylindrical wall of body member 12 is a drain or waste disposal tube 38 which is preferably cylindrical in shape and may have an outer diameter of one inch. The opening in tube 38 communicates with the interior of body member 12.

Preferably all parts of the irrigator described above including body member 12, wall 14, attachment plate 18, sealing member 32 and drain tube 38 are formed of a clear relatively rigid plastic such as clear Plexiglas. Any other suitable clear and relatively rigid plastic material may be used. The material must be in addition resistant to the materials with which it will come in contact during use. The thickness of the material from which body member 12, wall 14 and attachment plate 18 are formed may be for example /8 inch. The thickness of sealing member 32 may be 7 of an inch. Drain tube 33 may be approximately 2 inches long. Parts 12, 14, 18, 323 and 38 are joined in any convenient manner such as by being cemented together.

During use, the irrigator 16 is held in operative position over the colostomy opening with the opening communicating with the irrigating chamber and the interior of body member 12 by means of an elastic belt such as belt ill. Belt it? has portions 42 and 44 passing through slots 24- and 26, respectively, and is provided with suitable fasteners for ready application and removal.

In the operation of the irrigator of the present invention, the irrigating fluid is injected directly into the colostomy opening. The arrangement of the parts of the irrigator assembly is as shown in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. The irriga-tor 10 is strapped about the body of the user by means of the elastic belt 4% and positioned so that the colostomy opening communicates with the interior of the body member 12 through openings 28 and 34 in attachment plate 13 and sealing member 32, respectively. A catheter 46 is inserted through a rubber stopper 4%! aand stopper 48 is then placed and firmly fitted into the opening 16 in irrigator wall 14. Stopper 4% is positioned along catheter 46 so that the discharge opening of catheter 46 is firmly seated in the colostomy opening. A source of irrigating fluid is provided in an irrigator can 56. Can 50 is provided with an outlet pipe 52 near the bottom thereof and pipe 52 is attached to one end of a flexible hose 54. The other end of hose 54 is suitably attached to catheter 46 by means of a coupling 56. A suitable clamp 58 is also provided on hose 54 to regulate the flow of irrigating fluid therethrough.

The drain tube 38 has attached thereto one end of a flexible drain hose 60 which may be formed of rubber or a suitable plastic, a transparent plastic being preferred. Hose 60 is of sufficient length that it can be inserted into a toilet bowl 62 and threaded through the discharge passage 64 with the end disposed in the outlet pipe ter in bowl 62 provides a water seal in discharge passage 64 whereby the end of hose 60 in outlet pipe 66 is effectively isolated from the air space above the water in bowl 62. Water may also be trapped in the portion of tube 6-0 lying in the water in bowl 62 whereby to provide a second water trap or seal.

After irrigation, it is desirable to flush out irrigato 1t) and associated parts. An arrangement of parts to secure flushing is illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings. Stopper 48 is replaced with another stopper 68 to which is connected a flexible flushing tube 70. The other end of tube 70 is provided with a coupling 72 adapted to be connected to a wate spout 74 on a wash basin 76. Water is turned on whereby to force a stream through tube 70 and into irrigator It The stream of water completely flushes and cleans the inner surfaces of irrigator It and the exposed portions of the body of the user that lie within opening 34 of sealing member 32. The flushing Water and any waste carried thereby is discharged through drain tube 38 and hose 60 into the outlet pipe 66 of the toilet.

A complete cycle of use of the irrigator of the present invention and a description of the method of use will now be given. The parts are first assembled as illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings. The elastic belt 46 firmly clamps the irrigator against the body of the user with the colostomy opening disposed substantially centrally of the openings in irrigator 10. The rounded edges 36 of sealing member 32 provide a comfortable yet water tight fit of the irrigator 10 against the users body.

The catheter 46 is then inserted in the colostomy opening and stopper 48 firmly fitted in aperture 16. Connection is made between catheter 46 and hose 54 and hose 54 in turn attached to the outlet pipe 52 of can 50. Clamp 58 is preferably closed at this time. Drain hose 60 is then dropped into the toilet bowl 62 and the toilet flushed whereby to carry the discharge end of hose 60 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 1, i.e., to a position discharging into the outlet pipe 66. Irrigator can 50 is then filled with suitable irrigating fluid and placed at an elevated position with respect to the irrigator 10. Clamp 58 is then opened and irrigation continued in the usual manner. It is to be noted that the catheter 46 is inserted directly into the colostomy opening.

The manner of disposing of the irrigating fluid and fecal matter is illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings. Stopper 48 is removed together with catheter 46. Stopper 68 with flushing tube '76 attached is inserted in aperture 16. Coupling 72 is connected to spout 74 and the flushing water turned on. The water serves to flush out all material emptied into irrigator It), the material being carried down through drain hose 60 to the outlet pipe 66 of the toilet.

There is no release of odor into the bathroom during the flushing operation. More specifically the discharge end of hose 60 is disposed beyond the Water in bowl 62 whereby the water in bowl 62 serves as a water trap. All material and odors are discharged directly into outlet pipe 66 which is separated from the bathroom by the water seal in bowl 62. There is no mess associated with the irrigating operation since the parts are enclosed and are readily flushed clean by the assembly illustrated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings. By forming irrigator 10 of transparent materials, a simple inspection will serve to indicate whether irrigator ll) has been sutficiently flushed. The portion of the users body communicating with the interior of irrigator 19 can also be viewed through the transparent parts to check the cleanliness and sanitary condition thereof. If irrigator 10 becomes cloudy whereby to impair visibility, the user can restore visibility by admitting additional flushing fluid through tube which will remove any condensation on the inner surfaces of the irrigator and the tubes.

After flushing as described above there sometimes is a slight discharge from the colostomy opening for a short time. To take care of this discharge the stopper 68 is replaced by a solid stopper (not shown) disposed in opening 16. A short length of hose can be substituted for hose 69 on drain pipe 38, the lower end of the short length of hose being clamped shut. The user can then put on a bath robe or the like and proceed with various activities until satisfied that irrigation is complete. Any discharge will be collected in the short length of hose.

The user then returns to a position as illustrated in FIGURE 2. The sol-id stopper in aperture 16 is replaced with the stopper 68 having flushing tube 7 0 attached. The short length of hose attached to dnain pipe 38 can have the lower end thereof opened and the material flushed directly into toilet bowl 62 or the short length of hose may be replaced by hose 69. After the final flushing operation, the irrigator can be removed and the usual colostomy device placed in operative position.

In the drawings the user has been shown in a standing position during use of the irrigator. This position has been shown for convenience of illustration since the parts are most readily seen used in this manner. It is contemplated, however, that the user may sit on a chair or other suitable support immediately in front of the toilet bowl during use.

It will be seen that there has been provided a colostomy irrigator which fulfills all of the objects and possesses all of the advantages set forth above. Although a preferred form of the device has been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A colostomy irrigator assembly comprising an irrigator formed of transparent plastic material, said irrigator including a hollow cylindrical body member having a cylindrical wall and defining an irrigating chamber, an attachment plate mounted on one end of said body member and having portions extending outwardly laterally therefrom, said attachment plate having an opening formed therein communicating with the interior of said body member and a flange extending laterally inwardly into said hollow body member, a sealing member mounted on said attachment plate and having a rounded surface adapted to be pressed against the body of the user and to surround the colostomy opening, a Wall closing the other end of said body member and having an aperture therein, a drain tube mounted on said body member and having an opening therein communicating with an opening in the cylindrical wall of said body member, a belt attached to said attachment plate for mounting said irrigator upon the body of the user with the colostomy opening communicating through the openings in said sealmg member and said attachment plate, a catheter extending into said irrigator through the aperture in said wall and adapted to extend into the colostomy opening during use, means to seal the aperture in said Wall about said catheter, means to attach a source of irrigating fluid to said catheter, and a drain hose mounted on said drain tube and having a length to permit insertion of the free end thereof into a toilet bowl and past the water seal therein.

2. A colostomy irrigator comprising a hollow cylindrical body member defining an irrigating chamber and iormed of transparent plastic material, an attachment plate formed of transparent plastic material and mounted on one end of said body member and having portions extending outwardly laterally therefirom, said attachment plate having an opening formed therein communicating with the interior of said body member and a flange extending laterally inwardly toward the axis of said hollow body member, the periphery of the opening in said atmachment plate being beveled in a direction toward the outer side thereof, a sealing member formed of transparent plastic material and mounted on said attachment plate and having a rounded surface adapted to be pressed against the body of the user to surround the colostomy opening, a wall closing the other end of said body member and having an irrigating fluid aperture therein, and a drain rtube liorrned of transparent plastic material and mounted on said body member and having an opening therethrough communicating with an opening in the cylindrical Wall of said body member.

3. A colostomy irrigator assembly comprising an irrigator including a hollow body member defining a chamber, an attachment plate mounted on and abutting one end of said body member and having portions extending outwardly laterally therefrom, said attachment plate having an opening iormed therein communicating with the interior of said body member and a flange extending laterally inwardly toward the axis of said hollow body member, a sealing member mounted on said attachment plate and having a rounded surface adapted to be pressed against the body of the user and to surround the colostomy opening, said sea-ling member also having an opening therein communicating with the opening in said attachment plate, a belt attached to said attachment plate for mounting said irrigator upon the body of the user with the colostomy opening communicating therewith through the openings in said sealing member and said attachment plate, a wall closing the other end of said body member and having on irrigating fluid aperture therein, and a drain tube mounted on said body member and having an opening ltherethrough communicating with an opening in the cylindrical wall of said body member.

4. A colostomy irrigator assembly comprising an irrigator including a hollow body member defining a chamber, an attachment plate mounted on and abutting one end of said body member and having portions extending outwardly laterally therefrom, said attachment plate having an opening formed therein communicating with the interior of said body member and a flange extending laterally inwardly toward the axis of said hollow body member, a sealing member mounted on said attachment plate and having a rounded surface adapted to be pressed against the body of the user and to surround the colostorny opening, a wall closing the other end of said body member :and having an aperture therein, a belt attached to said attachment plate for mounting said irrigator upon the body of the user with the colostomy opening communicating therewith through the openings in said sealing member and said attachment plate, a catheter exitending into said irrigator through the aperture in said Wall and adapted to extend into the colostomy opening during use, means to seal the aperture in said Wall about said catheter, means to attach a source of irrigating fluid to said catheter, and a drain tube mounted on said body member and having an opening therethrough communicating with an opening in the cylindrical wall of the said body member and having a length to permit insertion of the iree end thereof into a toilet bowl and past the water seal therein.

References (Iited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,223,566 Koch Dec. 3, 1940 2,331,226 P-ritchard Oc 5, 1943 2,695,024 K-rohrnann Nov. 23, 1954 

